The majority of Namibia is uninhabited by humans and, in the most obvious way, this makes it one of the best places to embark on a trip for one. Beyond this, Namibia’s wide open spaces and deserts that seem to go on forever, make for quiet moments of contemplation that don’t come around very often.
Namibia is also one of Africa’s top self-driving destinations and, as long as you pack the necessities (plenty of water and a spare tyre) and become well-acquainted with your route (an old-fashioned paper map is always handy), a solo road trip is a fantastic way to explore the country at your own pace. If you don’t fancy the long drives, guided or not, flying from one corner to the next also promises dreamy views of Namibia from an entirely different perspective. Read on to hear about our favourite Namibia trips for solo travellers.
Deserts and Wildlife of Namibia
On a road trip across Namibia, your first stop comes in the otherworldly, scorched-orange form of the Namib, the oldest desert on Earth. After travelling across the vast landscape, Dead Valley Lodge appears like a mirage in the distance. Under yards of pillowy, white canvas, you’ll find a refuge with plush carpets, huge and inviting beds, and hand-crafted ‘desert’ decor. And did we mention the pool has a wonderful view of the well-known Elim Dune? The lodge also happens to be just a few minutes from the entrance to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, so you’ll easily be one of the first to see the iconic dunes at sunrise, the previous day’s footprints erased by the wind. From the lodge, you’ll have the chance to explore on foot or four wheels, searching for the hardy creatures that have adapted to this environment, and capture the eerily-beautiful scenes at Deadvlei.
A very scenic drive later, and you’ll be enjoying the refreshing Atlantic air in Swakopmund. The Delight does just what it says on the tin, and the hotel has funky interiors that combine nautical touches, vivid patterns, and wall-sized prints of Namibia’s natural highlights. Begin your day the right way with a decadent breakfast (including fresh oysters and sparkling wine), before seeing the sights, whether it’s strolling past German architecture and taking in the town’s quaint atmosphere or something more adventurous. Take your pick from quad-biking and sandboarding, or horseback riding and catamaran cruises. Or, head down the coast to Walvis Bay for a peaceful kayaking excursion and spy swooping seabirds, pelicans, flamingos, seals and dolphins.
Barely distinguishable from the boulders that surround them, the domed structures at Camp Kipwe are a picturesque spot from which to explore Damaraland. Spend your days examining the ancient rock art at Twyfelfontein, which has over 2,500 engravings across its walls and caves, or take in the silence of Damaraland’s fascinating Petrified Forest. You can also set out to follow desert-adapted elephant along the dry Aba Huab River, track black rhino on foot, or see herds of mountain zebra on horseback. Then return to Camp Kipwe for a dip in the pool ensconced in the boulders or enjoy the views from your fabulous outdoor bathtub.
Up the wildlife ante even more at your final stop, a wonderfully authentic camp in the private Ongava Reserve. A sight to be enjoyed from every corner of the camp, the waterhole attracts a bevy of animals including daytime visitors like oryx, zebra and kudu, and after nightfall, a floodlight illuminates big cats who have arrived for a drink. Ongava’s crowning glory is the chance to track white rhino on foot and spot these endangered Jurassic creatures up close. Thrilling game drives in Etosha National Park are also on the cards, where wildlife gathers round the waterholes in their numbers. Before heading for Windhoek and your flight home, visit the AfriCat Foundation in Otjiwarongo to learn about everything they do to protect the country’s cheetah and leopard. What a way to remember Namibia!
The best of Namibia by air
On this trip, you’ll see Namibia from every angle (quite literally) as you fly from one epic destination to the next. After landing in Windhoek, get your bearings with a night at Galton House, a fabulous boutique hotel with dining that rivals the city’s finest.
Jump into a tiny plane, and take in the limitless plains, mountains and deserts of Namibia, before touching down in the sun-baked Neuhof Nature Reserve and Camp Sossus. Built to be as unobtrusive as possible, the semi-permanent camp was entirely constructed from recycled and natural materials. The shimmering desert is your constant companion, from the bed in your open-sided tent to under the boundless, starry sky as you sit beside the fire. You could even spend the night on a rooftop sleepout deck! Explore this stunning reserve on driving, biking or walking excursions and spot oryx, zebra and meerkat, or take to the air once again for a breathtaking hot air balloon flight.
Your next flight takes you to the northern end of the Namib Desert, Damaraland. Surrounded by monolithic mountains, the region is home to an incredible collection of animals, from herds of desert-adapted elephant who spend days migrating between water sources, to black rhino who are able to navigate precipitous cliffs to reach the best plants. Amongst the crags, you’ll also discover centuries-old rock art including the most famous site, Twyfelfontein. After days like this, the best thing to do is watch the sunset from the boulders above the one-of-a-kind Camp Kipwe.
Soar high overhead as the landscape changes below you, before landing in the private Ongava Game Reserve. Positioned on a hill overlooking a very busy waterhole, Ongava Lodge has plenty to keep you entertained in between safari activities, whether you’d like to curl up in the reading nook, snooze beside the pool, or get comfy in the Hide for the ultimate wildlife snaps. Enjoy drives and walking safaris in the reserve, including the chance to track black and white rhino on foot; or venture into neighbouring Etosha where elephant, giraffe, lion and zebra roam. Then, enjoy one last, supremely scenic flight back to Windhoek where you can replay the memories over a local brew.
